Compass secondary ‘free school’ application submitted to Government

Last month we reported on proposals by the Compass Schools Trust to establish in SE1 the first of a large chain of 'free schools'.

The trust hopes to take advantage of new structures set up by education secretary Michael Gove to enable parents' groups and community organisations to set up independent state-funded schools.

Compass Schools Trust says that it has gained the support of the parents of 280 children from the Southwark area.

Compass is led by Peter Wilkinson, best-known locally as the chair of trustees at Borough Market.

"We are certain we can make a difference to the range and quality of education for pupils and create benefit for the parents and the wider community in Southwark," says Peter Wilkinson.

"We are delighted to submit this application to Government".

The Department for Education is currently evaluating applications from would-be free school operators hoping to open to pupils in September 2012.

Compass Schools Trust should learn by the end of July whether it has been called for interview by the DfE.